Cross-country returns to Redcar Racecourse - after 54 years

THE 112th North-Eastern Counties Cross-Country Championships return to Redcar Racecourse after an absence of 54 years.

The host club, New Marske Harriers, have pulled out all the stops to ensure athletes, officials and spectators enjoy a great day’s sport.

The programme consists of championship races for under-13 to seniors while the day’s action opens up with a “Try Cross-Country” event for under-11s. Championship secretary Archie Jenkins greatly appreciates the work Graham Hall and his New Marske team have done in the build-up to Saturday, which will see around 2,000 athletes taking part in the 10-race programme.

He said: “Putting on a major event like the NE XC Championships is no easy task but New Marske are to be congratulated.

“In 1962, when the championships were last held at Redcar Racecourse, there were just four races on the programme – boys, youths, juniors and seniors with the senior contest having 72 entries.

“On Saturday, the senior men’s race alone has an entry of nearly 500 and, now the women’s races are incorporated into the championships, the numbers have soared.

“Looking back to 1962, a number of competitors who lined up that day are still part of the athletics scene guys like Darlington’s Ian Barnes and Harry Matthews (Elswick), who finished runner-up in the boys’ race, come to mind as they still compete in master’s athletics.

“The NECAA eagerly look forward to meeting up with as many as possible who lined up at Redcar on that occasion.’’

Spectators are welcome, with entry and parking free.